Has anyone ever had a job offer rescinded after trying to negotiate more money?

[Dirtybirdy]

Have been offered an incredible job today with a big, blue chip company along with a decent salary and a very generous benefits package.

Have accepted in principle, but asked the internal recruitment person to find out if there's any flex on salary.

I'm actually pretty happy with what they've offered and would accept based on that, but I feel like there's an expectation in a senior role for a company this size, for some negotiation to take place.

It didn't sound like this was met negatively and they're going to let me know tomorrow, but im now furiously overthinking and wondering if I've marked my card before I've even received a contract?

What do you think? Is there a chance they'll bin me off?

Definitely always ask. I have hired lots and there is usually room to negotiate! In fact it’s nearly expected especially in more senior roles.

Always ask! One of the main reasons behind the gender pay gap is women lacking the confidence to negotiate on salary offers!

I would be really interested to hear from some men on this one. In my opinion it's far easier to negotiate before you start a job than when you are in it.

Always ask. I've never not asked, and I've always gotten more than offered.

I know one friend who had her offer rescinded. I think it was unprofessional of the company to rescind and not negotiate in good faith.

Key is:

• show enthusiasm and "soft" accept offer "I'm really excited to join the company and i'd love to accept the offer, but <salary question>"
• be polite
• be realistic, but overshoot as they'll probably aim to meet you in the middle

its fine to ask at this stage, and usually expected! Try not to worry about it.

This has made me feel so much better! I'm hoping it's a positive that I've flagged what I think my worth is! Please keep your fingers crossed for me!

^ agree with all the above, you can usually get a bit of movement

Only caution if:

• it’s obviously cheeky (eg if they are offering you 20% on top of your previous salary etc, unless you are exceptionally skilled)
• or you word things impolitely.
• Also be cautious if you are obviously highly qualified/going in at the top of the pay scale or way above advertised range

Personally I'd say previous salary is irrelevant. If they offer X salary for this role then even if you made 50% less before it shouldn't matter.

Your new employer shouldn't even ask about old salary, it's a question that further contributes to the gender pay gap that can be "inherited" if all employers base salary on previous salary.

@Miajk : I agree with you in principle, BUT employers can see previous salary/if you have been honest about it when P45 comes from the previous company

I wouldn’t rush to disclose, but refusing to disclose past compensation when you are in process can make you look awkward/unrealistic

To be fair I'm not sure if I'd accept an offer from an employer who even asks. It shows me the company doesn't value inclusivity and has poor practices.

Thankfully last few jobs I had this wasn't an issue, the few interviews/applications it came up I called it out and withdrew.

^ @Miajk : you are fortunate you’ve managed to evade this question then

My entire career has been with large multinational FMCG manufacturers: this is a routine question on applications & best practice is to give a v broad range so as not to be screened out pre-interview & then negotiate salary hard once an offer is made. In my industry the bands are pretty fixed (but broad): if someone won’t accept a salary within the range I can pay it is a waste of everyone’s time

Also, a scenario that someone would receive eg a 50% increase is not realistic, unless changing from being massively underpaid to a much higher paying industry (not just moving up a step in same industry)

I’m aware that practice must vary in other sectors, but I would not withdraw from an application for a role I wanted just because I was asked (by HR) about compensation during screening